Atlanta Braves Franchise Four

MLB’s Team List for the Franchise Four Vote

MLB just opened a fan vote for every team’s franchise four with the winners from each franchise honored at the MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

"Major League Baseball today announced the launch of the “Franchise Four” campaign, which will allow fans to vote for the most impactful players who best represent each Major League franchise and several other significant categories in the sport’s history.  The winners of the month-long period of fan voting on MLB.com/FranchiseFour will be announced during pregame ceremonies before Baseball’s 86th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14th at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on FOX."

There are also votes for the four greatest living players, four greatest Negro League Players, the four Greatest MLB pioneers.

 The Braves Franchise Four

As a Braves fan picking just four players to represent the franchise is an extremely difficult task. In an interview today on MLB Network’s High Heat with Chris Russo,  MLB’s official Historian John Thorne explained how the lists were determined. Representatives from four groups – the Baseball Writers Association, Elias Sports Bureau, MLB.Com and MLB Network, submitted a list of 12 players for each area. Representatives from those groups along with Thorn voted on each list to trim it to eight players.  The fans have the option or writing in their choices as well so you can have your say. Write in’s seldom win these things but it is your choice. Here’s the list they decided on for the Braves. Clicking the picture will take you to page when you may vote.

Ballot for the Braves Franchise Four Vote

These players should be a lock; Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones , Eddie Mathews and Warren Spahn.   Aaron requires no explanation, he’s the man who broke Babe Ruth’s record without the aid of a needle. In case you need a refresher here are a few things that aren’t as widely talked about – and a few that are.

• All time RBI leader – 2297 – 83 more than Babe Ruth the only other player with more than 200 RBI
• All time leader in total bases – 6856 – 722 more than the second place player Stan Musial and 790 more than Willie mays in third. These three are th eonly players with more than 6000 total bases.
• Third on the all time hits list – 3771 – behind Pete Rose and Ty Cobb and 141 ahead of Musial who’s fourth.
• Tied fourth in runs scored – 2174 – with Ruth
• An All Star in 22 consecutive years; every season except his first and his last

Like I said, a lock.